Controversy grows over Texas redistricting efforts

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Legislators in Austin are trying to redistrict the state’s congressional map — and representatives in D.C. are taking notice. 

At a Wednesday afternoon press conference, the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus spoke out against the redistricting efforts, which many Democrats say are a veiled attempt by the Trump administration to secure a Republican majority in the House. 

“Let’s be clear. These maps aren’t being drawn in Austin. They’re being drawn in secret in some back room of the White House. And I want to remind my Republican colleagues — redistricting cuts both ways,” Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) said. 

The redistricting efforts kicked off earlier this week, after Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the effort as one of his top priorities for Texas’ special session. Democrats currently hold 12 out of Texas’ 38 congressional seats in the U.S. House. 

Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37) of Austin joined his colleagues in condemning the redistricting measures as an effort to “distort the next election.”

“When the legislature is considering this, I believe there won’t be a Senate map, or an Abbott map, or a House map,” Doggett said. There will only be one map that counts — and that’s the one that President Trump drew for the Republican delegation over here at the White House.”

Democrats in Austin have already threatened to do all they can to slow down the redistricting efforts, including breaking quorum to prevent the body from taking a vote on the changes. 

Their national counterparts are already planning contingency measures, with Gov. Gavin Newsom of California threatening to redraw California’s districts to add up to seven seats for Democrats. 

Texas Republicans have until August 19, when the special session ends, to enact the proposed changes. The Senate Special Committee on Redistricting is set to meet this Friday to begin its work.